Just Did My First DCFC at EA - 2 Questions

[joebruin77]

My wife and I just did our first DCFC at an Electrify America station today. Overall it went smoothly. I do have two follow up questions:

1) I understand that proper etiquette is that, since the MME can charge at a maximum of 150kw, that we should use the 150kw unit and only use the 350kw unit if all of the 150kw units are occupied. But the only indicator I could find as to what type of unit I was parked next to was a small sign with small print on the front of the cabinet. Is there a way to identify which cabinets are 150kw and 350kw without driving up or walking up to each one? Did I miss something obvious?

2) Am I correct in assuming that, when we pull up to an EA unit and plug in, that the MME will automatically set the charge limit to 80%? What if we wanted to adjust the charge limit either above or below 80% before commencing with the DCFC? Is there a way to adjust the upper charge limit either before starting the charge or during the charge?

Thank you,
Joe

Sponsored

 

[tannerk89]

There’s no charge limit set, by default, it will charge to 100% on a DCFC. Although after 80-90% it will charge very slowly.

 

[joebruin77]

Thanks for your reply.

On a related question, what is the best way to stop the charging? I thought I read on a different post that if you stop the charge abruptly you can possibly damage the contactors on the HVBJB. What is the best and safest way to stop the charge? Should I simply press the "stop charge" button on the EA cabinet screen?

 

[connoisseurr]

Thanks for your reply.

On a related question, what is the best way to stop the charging? I thought I read on a different post that if you stop the charge abruptly you can possibly damage the contactors on the HVBJB. What is the best and safest way to stop the charge? Should I simply press the "stop charge" button on the EA cabinet screen?

You hit stop on the EA console, or the button near your charge port.

You can also press the “Stop Charging” button on your FordPass app within the charging section.

 

[RickMachE]

Don't hit stop on the EA charger unless you want your EA account to hang and/or the car to throw a fault... Use the button on the car or on the car screen, or in FordPass.

 

[tuminatr]

I usually just hit the unlock button to stop charging.

Yes, the etiquette is to use the appropriate charger for your car, also I have noticed if I use the 350kw charger a few times I have seen errors or slow charging.

The car will fast charge to 80% at 150kw then from 80-90% it will slow to around 50kw above 90% it will switch to L2 48a charging

And yes asking as you have plug and charge enabled in ford pass and payment setup in ford pass

Happy Charging

 

[DevSecOps]

Is there a way to identify which cabinets are 150kw and 350kw without driving up or walking up to each one?

You can also look at the app prior to arriving and it will tell you which stalls are 50/150/350. It might be easier for you to see the stall number (last 2 digits) vs the amperage sticker? Otherwise, the only way is by the sticker on the front. I think all EA's with CHAdeMO are 50/150, but you should avoid those as well in case someone needs that plug.

Don't hit stop on the EA charger unless you want your EA account to hang and/or the car to throw a fault

I think that's been fixed. I haven't seen that happen in quite some time.

 

[Logal727]

Doesn’t matter if you end up using the 350 cause the 150s are all taken, an Ioniq 5 fanboy will still be mad at you for some reason… cause they might have to wait 7 extra minutes to charge.

I personally find that whole part of the DCFC etiquette overblown and not at all as important as people think. I still try to do it, but I wouldn’t go out of my way to accommodate a 350kw vehicle

 

[hawkeye3point1]

You can also press the “Stop Charging” button on your FordPass app within the charging section.

I have FOMO for the L3 “Stop Charging” button in FordPass. Is it new? I only see it for L2 charging.

 

[GreaseMonkey]

There’s a different in MME’s charging speed when using 350 and 150kW, and based on my experience it is not negligible. I used one of two open 350kW stations when I charged, and would have moved if someone asked me nicely. But I would not default to using the 150 just on the off chance that someone with a faster charging vehicle pulls in. Just my two cents.

Also, my mme defaulted to 80% and had to force a charge to 100% using the FordPass app. I stopped it from the EA station once it hit 90%.

 

[DevSecOps]

I have FOMO for the L3 “Stop Charging” button in FordPass. Is it new? I only see it for L2 charging.

100% agree. If you need power you need power. If only a 350 is available I'm going to use it, but I try to only use 150 when it's an option.

I do the same thing at gas pumps with diesel. If there's only 1-2 with diesel I would try to go to one without unless there aren't any.

 

[Garbone]

I just pull into the stall that seems best for me. I look at it as using the handy cap stall in a public restroom. I am not going to wait or use one that is not quite as good on the off chance someone who actually needs the stall will show up. Chances are you defer and some jack wagon like me in a MachE shows up and uses it anyway.

 

[Logal727]

100% agree. If you need power you need power. If only a 350 is available I'm going to use it, but I try to only use 150 when it's an option.

I do the same thing at gas pumps with diesel. If there's only 1-2 with diesel I would try to go to one without unless there aren't any.

I’ve seen reports of ioniq/Kia owners actually waiting to use a 350 over a 150. Either they don’t understand how it works, I guess they think it’s actually twice as fast or aren’t working with a full deck.

 

[DevSecOps]

I just pull into the stall that seems best for me. I look at it as using the handy cap stall in a public restroom. I am not going to wait or use one that is not quite as good on the off chance someone who actually needs the stall will show up. Chances are you defer and some jack wagon like me in a MachE shows up and uses it anyway.

So.... because other people are inconsiderate pricks means you should be one before they can be one? A public bathroom is something most people want to be out of in less than 1-2 minutes, charging can take 45-60 minutes. It's not the same.

 

[Toreus]

Don't hit stop on the EA charger unless you want your EA account to hang and/or the car to throw a fault... Use the button on the car or on the car screen, or in FordPass.

I haven’t had this issue in the couple times I’ve charged at EA and stopped charging with the EA unit - any other details on how the error occurs?

Sponsored